First of all, let’s explore what forgiveness is and is not.
Forgiveness is about you, not the person you are forgiving. The purpose of forgiveness is for you to get closure from hurt or anger you feel towatds another, yourself, or a circumstance over which you have no control. You may have to forgive repeatedly before the closure is permanent.
- Forgiving does not require you to engage anyone, nor is it giving permission for more transgressions.
- Forgiving another does not require action from them.
- Forgiving is ultimately an act of healing for yourself, not healing the relationship.
- Forgiveness is about you, not the person or situation that you are forgiving.
What you’ll need: a candle, a tool that simulates cutting attachments (like a butter knife or dull, flat rock), oil or bubbles, Bach Rescue remedy (optional and valuable if you are in grief or high anxiety), and soap and shampoo for a shower.
Call on your angels and guides to be with you during this exercise with the intention of opening your heart and mind to their healing powers.
Fill the tub with warm water, and use only the light of the candle for your bath.
Lay in the bath for a moment and feel the anticipation of engaging in a ritual of release and peace.
Start at your feet or head and gently move the tool over your entire body, repeating the mantra, “I forgive and release,” or “I forgive and surrender to my highest potential.”
Continue releasing over your entire body, going between your fingers and toes, while repeating your mantra. As you do this you are likely to get flashes of scenes in which you have been wronged, or other scenes in which you have wronged others. You will most likely see things long forgotten.
Let the pictures pass like a slide show, without stopping to review or analyze. As each scene comes up, forgive and release.
At this point in the exercise disconnect from everyone, even attachments of those you love. Imagine the tool gently cutting and removing all attachments to others, living or dead, loved or disliked. You will soon allow reattachments. Continue to use the tool and repeat the mantra until you feel the exercise is complete and that you are not holding anything back.
STAY in the bath and empty the tub. (You don’t want to track the psychic gunk from the bath into your house). Let all that gunk go down the drain. Now, shower, shampoo and scrub yourself clean from head to toe.
While still in the shower tell your angels and guides to allow the energy ONLY from those who love and support you to reattach. Feel the love and support shower over you.
Now, you can leave the tub and shower. You will probably want a rest or nap so snuggle into someplace comfortable and cozy. Thank your angels and guides and allow yourself to feel, and possibly dream, their love.
When you are done resting, you can journal about your experience./
I received a record number of comments from people who did the bath ritual for forgiveness in the last issue. A few people who don’t have access to bath tubs asked for alternative methods. You could take a meditative walk or run and forgive as each foot hits the ground. Imagine the situation you are forgiving being pounded deep in the ground. Release every situation and every person with each step, even those you love. Then, take a scrub in the shower when you get home and ask the angels and guides to allow reconnection with those who love a support you.
The most important thing in doing this ritual is to forgive yourself as well as others. Forgiving yourself allows the healing to begin.
